Ignited in the 19th century, the Christiansburg Institute torch flared and then dimmed near mid 20th century as the school underwent change and eventually closed. Over its one-hundred-year history, Christiansburg Institute (1866-1966) developed into a unique and model educational institution on a 185-acre campus with fourteen buildings, educating students from its locale, the state and the nation. The 21st century finds the torch illuminating a journey to recover its history through documents, photographs, memories and service. A recently refounded institute is working to ensure that its historical flame -- of education and opportunity -- is passed on to succeeding generations.